Caution urged after traces of nerve agent found in pub

Caution urged after traces of nerve agent found in pub

UP to 500 diners have been urged to take precautions after traces of a nerve agent used to poison a former Russian spy and his daughter in Salisbury were found in a restaurant and pub.

It is believed that the pair visited Zizzi's restaurant hours before they were sent to hospital

The warning came from Dame Sally Davies, Chief Medical Officer of Public Health England, who said the risk was low based on the evidence they have.

She said: "Rigorous scientific analysis has been ongoing and continues but we have now learned there has been some trace contamination in both the Mill pub and Zizzi restaurant in Salisbury.

"Some people are concerned that prolonged long-term exposure to these substances may over week and particularly months arise to health problems.

"I'm therefore advising as a belt and braces approach for people who were either in Zizzi's restaurant or the Mill pub from 1.30pm last Sunday until closing on Monday should clean the clothes they wore and the possessions they handled there.

"Wash clothing you haven't already, ideally in the washing machine, any items that cannot be washed and would be normally dry-cleaned should be double-bagged in plastic until further information is available.

"Wipe other personal items such as phones and hand-bags and other electronic items with baby wipes and dispose of the wipes in the bin.

"Wash other items, such as jewellery and spectacles with warm water and detergent."

Anyone who was in the area and is concerned because they feel unwell should dial 111 or 999 depending on the severity of their symptoms.

In other news, 30-year-old Jamie Knight from Salisbury was arrested for breaching the security cordon in the Maltings on Friday evening.

The cordon has been put in place while police gather evidence.

A Wiltshire Police spokesperson said: “He has now been charged with assaulting a police officer, common assault, criminal damage to a police vehicle and a racially aggravated public order offence.

“Robust action will be taken against anyone who breaches or interferes with any cordon or the ongoing police investigation.

He will appear in Swindon Magistrates Court today.

The Wiltshire Police officer who was hospitalised after a nerve agent attack in Salisbury released a statement through the police force.

Detective Sergeant Nick Bailey remains in Salisbury District Hospital after he came into contact with the toxin while attending the scene where former Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia were found on Sunday March 4.

Their poisoning is being investigated as an attempted murder.

The statement from Wiltshire Police said: “Nick would like us to say on his behalf that he and his family are hugely grateful for all the messages of support from the public, and colleagues from the police family.

“People have been so kind and he has expressed that he will never forget that kindness.

“He also wishes to say that he was part of a group of officers and other emergency service colleagues who dealt with the initial incident.

“He wants to say that he does not consider himself a ‘hero’, he states he was merely doing his job - a job he loves and is immensely proud of - just like all of his other dedicated colleagues do, day in-day out, in order to protect the public and keep people safe.

“He would like to thank everyone once again for all of their kind thoughts and best wishes, they are truly appreciated.

“He asks respectfully that the media allow his family privacy at this difficult time.”

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